Entry level
Posted April 17, 2026
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Responsibilities
Commitments
Responsibilities
- Perform a wide variety of hands-on tests on metals (steel and aluminum), plastics, coatings, adhesives, and joints using mechanical, environmental, and characterization methods
- Execute mechanical testing including sample/test preparation, torque, tensile (Instron), compression, shear, hardness, and related evaluations
- Conduct environmental testing such as thermal cycling, humidity exposure, chemical compatibility, thermal shock, and similar assessments
- Carry out material characterization including metallurgy (preparation, etching), optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, X-Ray CT, XRF, OES, DSC, TGA, FTIR, rheometry, flow characteristics, and chemistry analysis
- Independently complete tests with high accuracy, analyze/categorize results, and prepare detailed reports for review and approval
- Support lab asset management by maintaining, calibrating, and servicing equipment; contribute to test methodology development and standardization
- Assist engineering teams with process validations, root-cause failure analyses, and procurement/installation of new lab equipment
Commitments
Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day
Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrain
Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 35 lbs., including the ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs
Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach to install parts
Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours a day
Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures
Not Met Priorities
What still needs stronger evidence
Requirements
- At least 2 years of related hands-on lab or testing experience preferred; strong ability and eagerness to learn and apply new techniques is essential
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, with advanced Excel skills highly preferred
- Prior experience working with vendors and external testing laboratories
- Knowledge of and experience handling hazardous materials, with a demonstrated commitment to promoting health, safety, and best practices team-wide
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build effective working relationships
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work independently while maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity and conduct
- Basic understanding of electric vehicle (EV)-related materials and joints, including applicable test standards, plus working knowledge and a track record of conformance to ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements
- Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day
- Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrain
- Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 35 lbs., including the ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs
- Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach to install parts
- Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours a day
- Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures
- Ability to find issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, and hearing
- Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, reflective vest, and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines
Preferred Skills
- At least 2 years of related hands-on lab or testing experience preferred; strong ability and eagerness to learn and apply new techniques is essential
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, with advanced Excel skills highly preferred
- Prior experience working with vendors and external testing laboratories
What To Expect As a member of Tesla’s Quality Operations team at GFTX, you will support materials-level testing activities and failure analyses. This hands-on position is based in Austin, Texas, within the Materials & Joints Lab.
What You'll Do
Perform a wide variety of hands-on tests on metals (steel and aluminum), plastics, coatings, adhesives, and joints using mechanical, environmental, and characterization methods
Execute mechanical testing including sample/test preparation, torque, tensile (Instron), compression, shear, hardness, and related evaluations
Conduct environmental testing such as thermal cycling, humidity exposure, chemical compatibility, thermal shock, and similar assessments
Carry out material characterization including metallurgy (preparation, etching), optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, X-Ray CT, XRF, OES, DSC, TGA, FTIR, rheometry, flow characteristics, and chemistry analysis
Independently complete tests with high accuracy, analyze/categorize results, and prepare detailed reports for review and approval
Support lab asset management by maintaining, calibrating, and servicing equipment; contribute to test methodology development and standardization
Assist engineering teams with process validations, root-cause failure analyses, and procurement/installation of new lab equipment
What You'll Bring
At least 2 years of related hands-on lab or testing experience preferred; strong ability and eagerness to learn and apply new techniques is essential
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, with advanced Excel skills highly preferred
Prior experience working with vendors and external testing laboratories
Knowledge of and experience handling hazardous materials, with a demonstrated commitment to promoting health, safety, and best practices team-wide
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build effective working relationships
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work independently while maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity and conduct
Basic understanding of electric vehicle (EV)-related materials and joints, including applicable test standards, plus working knowledge and a track record of conformance to ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements
Essential Physical Demands
Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day
Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrain
Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 35 lbs., including the ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs
Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach to install parts
Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours a day
Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures
Ability to find issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, and hearing
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, reflective vest, and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines
Benefits Compensation and Benefits Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
Tesla Babies program
Commuter benefits
Employee discounts and perks program
What You'll Do
Perform a wide variety of hands-on tests on metals (steel and aluminum), plastics, coatings, adhesives, and joints using mechanical, environmental, and characterization methods
Execute mechanical testing including sample/test preparation, torque, tensile (Instron), compression, shear, hardness, and related evaluations
Conduct environmental testing such as thermal cycling, humidity exposure, chemical compatibility, thermal shock, and similar assessments
Carry out material characterization including metallurgy (preparation, etching), optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, X-Ray CT, XRF, OES, DSC, TGA, FTIR, rheometry, flow characteristics, and chemistry analysis
Independently complete tests with high accuracy, analyze/categorize results, and prepare detailed reports for review and approval
Support lab asset management by maintaining, calibrating, and servicing equipment; contribute to test methodology development and standardization
Assist engineering teams with process validations, root-cause failure analyses, and procurement/installation of new lab equipment
What You'll Bring
At least 2 years of related hands-on lab or testing experience preferred; strong ability and eagerness to learn and apply new techniques is essential
Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, with advanced Excel skills highly preferred
Prior experience working with vendors and external testing laboratories
Knowledge of and experience handling hazardous materials, with a demonstrated commitment to promoting health, safety, and best practices team-wide
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build effective working relationships
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work independently while maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity and conduct
Basic understanding of electric vehicle (EV)-related materials and joints, including applicable test standards, plus working knowledge and a track record of conformance to ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation requirements
Essential Physical Demands
Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time, up to 12 hours a day
Ability to stand and walk for up to 12 hours a day, including over varied and uneven terrain
Frequently and repetitively, lift, push and carry up to 35 lbs., including the ability to carry 20 lbs. up and down stairs
Frequently and repetitively, bend, lift and reach to install parts
Stoop, lay, bend, reach, squat, kneel, crouch, twist and crawl for extended periods of time, including up to 12 hours a day
Climb and maintain balance on ladders, scaffolding or other high structures
Ability to find issues in a work process and receive safety signals using sight, touch, and hearing
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, reflective vest, and adhering to prescribed safety rules and guidelines
Benefits Compensation and Benefits Along with competitive pay, as a full-time Tesla employee, you are eligible for the following benefits at day 1 of hire:
Medical plans > plan options with $0 payroll deduction
Family-building, fertility, adoption and surrogacy benefits
Dental (including orthodontic coverage) and vision plans, both have options with a $0 paycheck contribution
Company Paid (Health Savings Accounts) HSA Contribution when enrolled in the High-Deductible medical plan with HSA
Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
401(k) with employer match, Employee Stock Purchase Plans, and other financial benefits
Company paid Basic Life, AD&D
Short-term and long-term disability insurance (90 day waiting period)
Employee Assistance Program
Sick and Vacation time (Flex time for salary positions, Accrued hours for Hourly positions), and Paid Holidays
Back-up childcare and parenting support resources
Voluntary benefits to include: critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident insurance, theft & legal services, and pet insurance
Weight Loss and Tobacco Cessation Programs
Tesla Babies program
Commuter benefits
Employee discounts and perks program